title: Views of emergency physicians on thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The 3-hour window for treating stroke with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) requires well-organized, integrated efforts by emergency physicians and stroke neurologists.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate attitudes and knowledge of emergency physicians about intravenous t-PA for acute ischemic stroke, particularly in primary stroke centers (PSCs) with stroke neurology teams.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 15-question pilot Internet survey administered by the Arizona College of Emergency Physicians.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Between March and August 2005, 100 emergency physicians responded: 71 in Arizona and 29 in Missouri. Forty-eight percent practiced at PSCs; 48% thought t-PA was effective, 20% did not, and 32% were uncertain. PSC or non-PSC location of practice did not influence endorsement (odds ratio, 0.96; 95% confidence interval, 0.27-1.64). Of those opposing t-PA, 87% cited risk of hemorrhage.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Most emergency physicians did not endorse t-PA. Improved collaboration between emergency physicians and stroke neurologists is needed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona.
authors.forename: Bentley J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Bobrow
authors.forename: Bart M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Demaerschalk
authors.forename: Joseph P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Wood
authors.forename: Albert
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Villarin
authors.forename: Lani
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Clark
authors.forename: Anthony
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jennings
keywords: acute ischemic stroke; emergency physician; primary stroke center; stroke neurologist; thrombolysis